Admirals Call for Maritime Partnership to Counter Global Crises

Top admirals from the UK, France, the US, Australia, and India highlighted the importance of collaboration among like-minded nations to tackle maritime challenges, ensure stability, mitigate risks, and rebuild trust.

In a panel discussion titled "From the Aegean Sea to the South China Sea: Responding to Maritime Sieges" held at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, top admirals from the UK, France, the US, and Australia emphasized the need for collaboration among like-minded nations to address ongoing crises, provide stability, reduce risks, and restore confidence in the face of contested global commons.

Contested Global Commons

Adm Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff of the UK, highlighted the significance of the global commons and the impact of their contestation. He stressed that no single navy can cover all points of the world simultaneously, necessitating partnerships and cooperation among navies.

Adm Nicolas Vaujour, Chief of the Naval Staff of France, echoed these sentiments, drawing attention to the shifting paradigm from competition to contestation and confrontation. He emphasized the need for partnerships to respond to crises, provide stability, reduce risks, and restore confidence.

Changing Character of Warfare

Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Indian Navy, emphasized the lessons from history and the price paid by nations that neglected the seas. He highlighted the changing character of warfare, with the use of modern and niche technologies becoming more affordable and accessible to non-state and state-funded actors.

US Strategy for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific

Adm John C Aquilino, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, outlined the US strategy to deliver a free and open Indo-Pacific for all nations. He emphasized the importance of addressing illegitimate actions, such as Russia's war against Ukraine and terrorist organizations' devastating effects on civilian populations.

Adm Aquilino highlighted the growing US-India relationship and the unprecedented level of information sharing, particularly in light of events on the Indian northern border.

Australia's Perspective

Air Marshal Robert Chipman, Chief of the Air Force of Australia, viewed the Indo-Pacific as the epicenter of great power competition between China and the US. He stressed the importance of building a network of allies and partners committed to international law, human rights, and national sovereignty to deter coercion and military aggression in the region.

The panel discussion underscored the urgent need for cooperation and partnership among navies and like-minded nations to address the challenges posed by contested global commons and the changing character of warfare. By working together, nations can maintain stability, reduce risks, and restore confidence in the face of evolving threats.